WESLEYAN TEA MEETING.

Southland Times, Issue 704, 2 August 1867, Page 3

WESLEYAN TEA MEETING.

On "Wednesday evening last the Wesleyan body and their friends celebrated the opening of & new place of worship by a social tea meeting. Tho Church, formerly known as St. Pauls, situate in Leet-street, -was crowded in every corner, many of those arriving late being unable to obtain seats at the tables until others, who had taken the precaution to come early, had retired. This must have been doubly gratifying to the promoters of the meeting considering that the weather was of the most boisterous character, and the roads truly deplorable ; however, every one seemed in the best of humor, and not to be ruffled by such slight inconveniences as a partial wetting, or having to wait a quarter of an. hour for tea. We were particularly gratified to observe how largely the attendance was augmented by friends -of other denominations. After the provisions had been disposed of, | the public meeting was commenced by singing a j hymn and prayer by the Eev. Mr Bunn. Mr Thoß. Perkins was then called to the chair, and in a brief speech contrasted the first place of meeting of the Wesleyans in Invercargill — a small whare at the top of Spey-street — with the present building. He believed a brighter day of j prosperity was dawning upon the church. He then called upon the Treasurer, Wm. Russell, I Esq., who read the report of the Building Committee, showing a receipt of over £200 and an expenditure, including purchase of ground and building, repairs to same and purchase of organ* of about £230, leaving a deficiency of £25. Mr Crouch moved the adoption of the report and Eev. E. S. Bunn seconded ; and in moving a vote of thanks to the lady collectors, highly complimented them upon the success that had attended their efforts. A collection was then made, and about £10 raised, which with the proceeds from the soiree it is estimated wjh reduce the debt to the merest trifle. A most efficient choir conducted by Mr Stevens, rendered good service during the evening, eliciting the praise of the meeting, Mr C. S. Button presided at the organ. The following is the report above allude as read bv Mr Eussell : — I am sensible of tne honor connected with the position of trust assigned to me in this matter of Church Extension, and I am thankful to say that the matter has received such hearty support on all sides as to make my duty exceedingly light and pleasant. It will be a matter of congratulation and thankfulness to all interested to know that, in connection with the purchase of this Church and ground, and the cost of the improvements recently made, our funds, except as regarde the comparativly small amount of £25, have been sufficient for all our requirements. This being the case, we shall also Und cause for thankfulness when we consider for a moment the difference between our present position and what our prospects were when the matter of more Church accommodation was first considrered by us some six or seven weeks ago. Here 1 feel bound to say, and I am sure you will all agree with me, that the whole credit of thismovementis due to ouresteemed minister, the Jiev. Mr iiunn. The matter was suggested and initated by him at a time when we were all greatly impressed with our inability to do anything, and not a tittle of encouragement did he receive, and much personal exertion has characterised his efforts all through. Now we are satisfied that Mr Bunn's aim is infinitely higher than the praise of men ; but you will agree with me that it is only proper to record our appreciation of his action in this matter. It will be in the recollection of many present what difficulties presented theiuselvei for some time. The Committee appointed at the public meeting to provide the additional accommodation, after much careful consideration of serene schemes, including the enlargement of the old building and the erection of a new one, c^ula not Eee iiieir -may. lhe oid builoing, by eniar»ment would be rendered unsightly and insecure. The proposed new one about tne same dimensions as this) would require more money than could be relied on to complete it, In passing I may mention that the Committee were favored ■with the practical ideas of Messrs Fredric and Bonthron who rendered all the assistance in tLeir power. Mr Fredric prepared gratuitously for the Committee an elaborate plan and specifications lor the proposed new building, for which he is entitled to our thanks. Fortunately for us just as the difficulties attending the schemes refered to were fully seen, the present building and land (quarter acre) with the seats, pulpits, and lamps, were offered to us at a reduction upon the price for Borne time asked, and an agreement ■with the Bank of New Zealand for the purchase of the whole was effected at the sum of One nundred and sixty five pounds. Under this agreement the purchase money ia conditioned to be paid on the execution of the conveyance of the land, which has been forwarded to Auckland for execution by the directors, and is expected back daily. In deciding upon the present purchase the Committee were influenced by a view to the future. It was assumed that we should sooner or later require still further provision for our congregation, and it was seen that the proceeds of the sale of either of the properties would give us material assistance in the erection of a commodious and substantial building on the other; whereas, in case we had succeeded in erecting the proposed new building on the old ground, we probably would have got nothing for it on pulling it down to make room for a larger one. On coming to a decision a sub-comrnitte was appointed to inspect and report what improvements and repairs were necessary before occupation of this place. Upon the report so supplied tenders were publicly called for, and the lowest tender (for £113) accepted. The improvements have been completed, with the exception of the lining, which is delayed in consequence of the timber being green. It was considered best to defer the painting of the building until finer and drier weather. As to the financial part of this business, our funds have been greatly increased by the energies of the ladies, without whose assistance it was neither practicable nor desirable to proceed ; their services were volunteered without solioitation, and it will be seen that they are entitled to our heartiest thanks, when reference is made to the large amounts collected by them. Besidesj too, they have had the exclusive management of the drapery fittings, cushions, matting, and other necessaries. It must be borne in mind that the whole of the obligations resting upon the trustees have not yet matured, and consequently have not been met. Those outstanding, including the purchase money for this property, amount to £232, and against this amount we have a balance at the Bank of £147 9s 2d, and reliable subscriptions not yet paid, £58 — not being due — making a total of £200 S&- 2d, and leaving a deficiency of £25. Every care l)as been taken in the disposal of our funds, and if poseible this balance of debt would have been obviatcd. However, it is trusted that on reflection ■we shall be so satisfied with «our improved position, that the last penny of this small balance ■will soon be raised without any difficulty. If not, however, the ladies will, I am satisfied, take the matter out of our hands, and find us the money. The annexed account will show the actual receipt and payments to date. I may add that a list of the subscribers and amounts would have been read but for a wish expressed by some to the contrary. W. ETTSSEIL, TBIABT7BEB, Iff ACCOUNT WITH WitSLBYAIT CHTTBCH (LEET-STBEET) TUND. Dr. Tb Amount received from Collectors — Mrs. Bight and Miss. Hrown... £32 1 0 Mzg, Bunn and Mrs, Saunters 5.2,12 8

Mtb. Perkins and Msr. Dainty 19 3 0 To Cash— Proceeds of Sale of Iron Hoof 31 13 6 To Caßh — Opening Services on Sunday ... 14 0 0 To Cash — Eeceived Donation? promised at Public Meeting ... 99 10 0 £249 0 0 Cr. By Cash — Frederic on account on Contract „• *70 ° ° By Cash paid, repairs of Lamps, &c. 37 0 „ G-erbes, repair of Organ ... 50 0 „ Drapery and Pulpit Furniture, &c, Matting, Cushions, &c. ... 23 310 „ Balance in Bank 147 9 2 £249 0 0 After a vote of thankß to the Chairman, the meeting closed with the benediction.